BA Chinese Studies with Heritage Management

Chinese Studies and Heritage Management is a programme that is designed to allow students to indulge their interest in China, with a focus on its people, their history and cultures, with various aspects of the Heritage sector, be that Heritage interpretation, museums, management and heritage tourism.

The major part of the programme, Chinese studies, comprises four modules of 80 credits taken by the students.

China is one of the world’s most important civilisations with a rich cultural heritage providing the backdrop to a dynamic contemporary society. In this interdisciplinary programme, you will learn the Chinese language and study Chinese culture from a wide variety of perspectives. Individual modules examine China’s economic development, its history, media, politics, philosophy and religions, both in ancient and in modern times.

As part of this degree scheme, you will also have the opportunity to visit China and experience Chinese culture first-hand. Single Honours students will spend one year in China, generally at Beijing Union University, one of our Chinese partner institutions. This option is also open to Joint Honours students. All students have a further chance to apply for short-term language courses in China and scholarships administered by the Centre for Chinese Studies and the Confucius Institute. The course does not require prior experience in China or of the Chinese language.

The minor part of the programme introduces students to ideas and issues surrounding the field of Heritage Management and amounts to 40 credits or two modules per year. This part of the programme is specifically designed to enhance a student’s knowledge of Heritage in its broadest sense and to provide an appropriate set of skills and understandings applicable to a broad range of employments in the Heritage sector or cultural industries more generally.

Running through all the modules is a clear emphasis on enhancing the employability potential of our students, notably through a compulsory work placement, and for those who wish, the opportunity to do a practice-based, work-related Dissertation. Students also acquire an understanding of heritage marketing and various data management and analysis methods.

Assessment methods for the course draw upon a range of different forms and approaches that include a variety of written formats, from essays (ranging from 1,500 words up to 3,500 words in length), book reviews, literature surveys, short 1,000-word analyses, reflective journals, document analysis, exhibitions, projects work, advertising materials, data analysis, to oral presentations delivered both in a group and individually, and both seen and unseen examinations. In addition to summative assessments the programme also undertakes a range of formative assessments that may include one or more of the following: peer assessed work, group presentations, journals, internet searches, document analysis, and bibliographic exercises.

Learning and Teaching methods

Teaching methods are designed to provide interest, variety and academic curiosity. Seminars, workshops, video conference and small group work are our principal means of teaching, though supported by lectures, field trips, revision and study groups. We also offer one-to-one tutorials in which you can discuss aspects of your own written work such as asking for help with the structuring of essays, or writing technique or requesting feedback advice on a specific assignment.

Grades are important; however, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We are interested in creative people that demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen subject area and therefore we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To assess student suitability for their chosen course we normally arrange interviews for all applicants at which your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered as well as your qualifications.

The Careers Service subscribes to a range of careers databases and networks to ensure that you benefit from having access to the latest information. The Careers team is able to help you to identify and plan your career by matching your interests and course of study to relevant jobs. The service also includes assistance with writing applications and CVs, interview techniques, Professional Development Planning (PDP), as well as general careers counselling for individuals and groups.

Specifically the course offers employment opportunities in the following areas:

Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2017/18 are as follows:

UK/EU: £9,000

International: £14,900

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3% for International students and at the capped fee rate as set by the UK Government for UK/EU students.

You can find further information on fees and how to pay on our Student Finance pages.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's Bursaries and Scholarships page

For any students considering studying BA Chinese Studies with Heritage Management at UWTSD it is worthwhile attending a Visit Day or Open Day. You can take a tour of the Lampeter campus, meet some students, and question the lecturers to get a comprehensive understanding of the university and its teaching. To find out more about forthcoming dates visit the Open Day and Visit Day pages.